Bourbon Barbecued Ribs
Juicy pork spareribs are glazed with a rich bourbon barbecue sauce, combining smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors perfect for casual gatherings and outdoor cookouts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup bourbon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup molasses ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- hot pepper sauce to taste ⓘ
- 4 1/2 pounds fresh pork spareribs, cut into serving pieces
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except spareribs; let stand at room temperature for 1 1/2 hours.
- Place spareribs, meaty side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
- Roast uncovered in a 325°F oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Brush sauce over ribs.
- Roast, turning and brushing frequently with sauce, until ribs are done, about 45 minutes longer.
- Heat remaining sauce to boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Serve ribs with the hot sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the bourbon sauce overnight. If you don't have bourbon, apple cider or a splash of apple juice can work as a substitute. Adjust the hot pepper sauce to your taste, and consider adding a touch of smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor. Keep an eye on the ribs to avoid overcooking, as they can dry out easily.
Serving Suggestions
These Bourbon Barbecued Ribs are perfect for a summer cookout or family gathering. Serve them alongside classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a hearty meal. Pairing with a refreshing cucumber salad can balance the richness of the ribs. They also make a great main dish for game day celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For an extra boost of flavor, brush them with some reserved sauce before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bourbon Barbecued Ribs contains roughly 80 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 962mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use beef ribs instead of pork spareribs?
Yes, you can use beef ribs, but keep in mind that they may require a longer cooking time due to their thickness. Adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the ribs are tender and the sauce has caramelized nicely.
Is it necessary to cook the ribs in the oven before grilling?
While it's not strictly necessary, cooking the ribs in the oven first helps to tenderize them and ensures they cook evenly. This method also allows the sauce to caramelize beautifully when finished on the grill, giving you that delicious smoky flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bourbon barbecue sauce up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before using to brush on the ribs during cooking for the best flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).